As I have mentioned some times before already, I have challenged myself to minimize my fashion consumption, starting with the size of my wardrobe. As so, I have decided to create a capsule wardrobe. Therefore, today we are making an introduction to the topic here on the blog.

Actually, it is a very old concept, dating back to the 70’s. Thank you, Wikipedia 😉. It consist in having a small number of clothing items, that allow for the maximum combinations possible and don’t get out of fashion for a long period of time.

Nowadays it is highly associated with a minimalistic lifestyle, but one thing does not require the other.

There are no rules, just some guidelines and directions to make your wardrobe more functional and personal.

It is appropriate to:

-Choose a color palette: that way you guarantee that all colors suit you, you will definitely wear them, and all pieces shall match each other;

-Choose timeless pieces so that they last a long period of time. Unless you will easily embrace and incorporate a certain trend in your style and remainder wardrobe, stay away from trendy clothing;

-Prefer quality clothing: since you need it to last longer and because you have less clothing, so you’ll wear them, and consequently, wash them more often, they will have to stand the wear without falling apart.

-if you feel you have nothing to wear, even though you have a closet full of clothes;

-if you are a compulsive buyer or hoarder;

-if you think you don’t have a personal style;

-if you want to challenge your creativity and resourcefulness;

-if you want to have a more functional and effective wardrobe;

-if you want to have less things.

In my case, I find myself more of a compulsive hoarder, than simply a compulsive buyer. I want to have everything with me at all times, even if it doesn’t fit me anymore, if I don’t like it or have nowhere to wear it to. “Because you never know when you might need it”. It is not a healthy lifestyle. I move a lot- and when I do, it’s always from country to country- so I have a hard time trying to pack everything I need. Every time I have to either pay extra weight or a full second luggage, and inside I have nothing else but clothing, since there is no space left for technology, food or things for the house, like sheets and towels, which I also need. I will be moving again soon, and I want to be able to fit EVERYTHING in only one 23kg bag. This is my reason. And it is very important to define your reason from the start.

-Remove from your closet everything that doesn’t fit, you don’t like, is not in good condition, you don’t wear often or doesn’t flatter you;

-Try to sell these items first. What you couldn’t sell, donate. What isn’t good enough to donate, recycle. RECYCLE is not throwing it in the can. Here we do the very least to not worsen the planet’s already debilitated condition.

-Why do you really like these clothes, wear them most often, what is it about them that attracts you and why do you want to keep them. Every piece in your wardrobe MUST HAVE A REASON to be there, otherwise it shouldn’t be. I can be “because it makes me look pretty, comfortable, matches everything, gives it an extra touch, it is very practical, useful, etc”.

-Based on these perceptions, look for the pieces that are missing to complete the basic desired wardrobe. It is not about going shopping like a mad half-naked desperate and just filling up her/his wardrobe all over again. A lot of people actually use a capsule wardrobe as an excuse to start over, get rid of everything and buy everything brand new. That could be a scenario, but it’s not the idea. With your intuitive taste, you have already made a lot of great choices, that you just have to realize about, gain notion of their reasons for being and apply that in every purchase you make. Notice I did not say “buy what is missing”, since there are always other options to shopping: 2nd hand stores or family and friend’s hand-me-downs. I always try to seize those.

-Put together all the looks and combinations possible, for each piece or for different occasions (casual, dressy, etc). To test the functionality of this wardrobe and already create references of easy access for when you are getting dressed. Goodbye “I have nothing to wear”!

Important side notes: Ignore all the capsule wardrobe “rules” that are scattered all over the internet. Specially the list of essential items. The content of each wardrobe will vary from person to person, because of their style and lifestyle. Believe me, that if you ignore your personal style and follow blindly one of those pre-made lists that you find online, you’ll end up with a wardrobe that doesn’t represent you, doesn’t make you happy or confident, neither does it make your life easier!

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Hello and welcome ! Here is where you will find all kinds of fashion tips and inspiration to improve your own personal style. Fashion is a great part of our image and can make our lives so much easier and fun when we learn to express ourselves through clothing. I am here to help you in that journey!